My first commissioned portrait!

A friend of mine wanted to give his wife a unique gift, so he asked me to complete a charcoal portrait of her. Her picture had been used on the cover of a local magazine, so in this instance I completed the entire portrait using a photo-reference. Normally, I would prefer to work with a 'live' model, but since this was to be a surprise, that was not possible. I'm told that she was truly surprised by this gift, and that the family loves it.....aren't friends wonderful!?

"Portrait of Jean"
24x20 Charcoal on Paper
2007

1st year studies at The Atelier

After completing several charcoal drawings of plaster cast eyes, noses or ears, students progress to more complex plaster cast drawings in charcoal. This is a great time for learning about shapes, values and edges. No paintings are completed during our first year of study at The Atelier.

Charcoal drawing of a plaster cast hand and coin that I completed in 2007.

Here is a photo of a typical set up. My charcoal drawing is set up immediately next to the statue in order to see shadows and shapes accurately, using the 'sight-size' method. (2007).

My grandsons

My grandsons are my pride and joy, and it is their presence in my life that motivated me to pick up a pencil and begin to draw once again. The process of trying to capture what I see when I look at them, is extremely exciting and fun for me. I have not yet completed a portrait of my third grandson, but hope to begin work on it soon.

This is my oldest grandson, Aidan. I tried to capture the serious, intense, yet thoughtful side of him in this drawing. I think it works. (Graphite 2007)

Colin is Aidan's younger brother ..... full of fun, energy, and just a bit of mischief! (Graphite 2007)